Proclaimer Blog
Providence: a beautiful doctrine
There is little positive to say about the terrible tragedy that unfolded in Saudi Arabia with the stampede at the Hajj festival. It is always a sadness to see people killed so needlessly. And the black deception that Islam brings only serves to make this human tragedy more spiritually devastating. It will have eternal significance.
Perhaps, one thing that saddened me most about the whole thing was the interview with the senior cleric who said of the disaster, it’s just ‘destiny and fate’. How tragic to think of God in this way. Thankfully that’s not the God of the Bible, perfectly revealed in the glorious Son, Jesus. He is sovereign, of course, but his sovereignty is not distant and capricious.
No, we’re certainly not fatalists – an ugly doctrine. Rather we believe in providence, a beautiful doctrine: little taught and much misunderstood. Not a sparrow falls unless he wills it. He works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will and that sovereign will is good for those who love him, those he has called, ultimately promising us transformation into the likeness of his Son.
As I say, a startlingly beautiful doctrine. Christians (and preachers) would do well to reflect and meditate on it. Can I recommend William Cowper’s beautiful words?
God moves in a mysterious way,
his wonders to perform;
he plants his footsteps in the sea
and rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines
of never-failing skill
he treasures up his bright designs
and works his sovereign will.
3. You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds you so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
in blessings on your head.
4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust him for his grace;
behind a frowning providence
he hides a smiling face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding every hour;
the bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flower.
6. Blind unbelief is sure to err
and scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter
and he will make it plain.